West Bengal activists demand stricter acid sale regulations

Acid attack survivors and activists in West Bengal are calling for stricter regulations on the over-the-counter sale of acid. The state has the highest number of acid attacks in India since 2018, highlighting the need for better enforcement of existing laws. Survivors shared their experiences at a recent conference, emphasizing the lack of support from authorities. Current Supreme Court guidelines prohibit unregulated acid sales, but activists claim these rules are poorly enforced, allowing easy access to acid. Lawmakers and social workers are urging for improved training for police and better monitoring of acid sales. They also stress the need for increased compensation for survivors and adherence to medical treatment mandates established by the Supreme Court.